JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held a meeting with the Saudi Foreign Minister His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Jeddah. Â
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers reviewed the entire gamut of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations, discussing ways to enhance cooperation in diverse areas including trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, tourism, and manpower.
The two foreign ministers reaffirmed their mutual desire to further strengthen cordial relations between the two Countries.
Qureshi paid rich tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and the progress and development of the Kingdom under its visionary leadership. He thanked Saudi Arabia for its continued support and cooperation bilaterally, as well as at the international fora.
Great to meet H.H FM @FaisalbinFarhan, discussing enhanced cooperation across trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, tourism and manpower and finding new ways to strengthen our historic relationship. pic.twitter.com/Ugi0zw4vxu
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) May 7, 2021
The two sides also discussed ways to provide fresh impetus to existing Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties.
In this regard, they welcomed the signing of the Agreement on Establishing Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council during the ongoing visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan.
The work of the Council, co-chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, will be organized into three pillars – political/security, economic and cultural/social.
The foreign ministers on both sides will lead the work of the politic/security pillar, while their respective foreign ministries will act as the focal point for the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council.
To that end, we welcome an agreement to establish the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council, co-chaired by our PM and the Crown Prince, focussing on 3 key pillars: political/security, economic and cultural/social; this new structure will allow for greater collaboration. https://t.co/cXm5lJ8bK3
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) May 7, 2021
Shah Mahmood Qureshi lauded the positive contribution of Pakistani Diaspora in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards the development and progress of both countries.
The foreign minister emphasized the need for nurturing and strengthening people-to-people linkages, as well as facilitating travel between the two Countries.
Views were exchanged on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The Foreign Minister shah Mahmood Qureshi briefed his Saudi Counterpart on the human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), stressed the need for peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and stressed the importance for India to create enabling environment for dialogue and diplomacy.
Qureshi also outlined Pakistan’s consistent efforts to support the ongoing peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
Also Read: Pakistan PM and Saudi Crown Prince affirm commitment to deepen bilateral ties in all fields
The foreign minister said that Pakistan was focused on geo-economics, connectivity and efforts for peace within and beyond for the betterment and progress of Pakistan, its people, as well as the people of other countries in the region.
His Highness Prince Faisal appreciated Pakistan’s approach and highlighted Kingdom’s efforts for peace in the region.
The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi lauded the positive role being played by the Kingdom for promoting peace, security and development in the region.
Qureshi renewed cordial invitation to His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to visit Pakistan at the earliest opportunity, which he accepted graciously.
The Saudi foreign minister added that he will soon send a delegation of senior officials to Pakistan to prepare for the visit.
The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is accompanying Prime Minister of Pakistan on his official visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7-9, 2021.
